True North

Praise

“A tale of real hardship, of a running fight against the forces of nature, of the joys of wild life; rich in anecdote, humorous, dramatic, vigorous, and direct.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A fascinating, at times magical, chronicle.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Merrick’s writing is full of detail on how to survive in the grueling cold of a Canadian winter. The book is more ‘Walden’ than wild, as the author is often contemplative, reveling in the joy of being out of the city and plunged into nature.”
—The Record-Courier

“True North is a wonderful memoir, recounting the author’s travels in the wild and wonderful Canadian wilderness. I was riveted throughout the book. Whether the author was, quite seriously, discussing methods of underwear washing (hilarious) or describing the instances when everyone wanted to break camp but wouldn’t admit to it, you are kept thoroughly entertained.… I thoroughly enjoyed this book, filled with beautiful narrative.”
—The Book Buff

“[True North] is the kind of book one will pick up like a Bible or a book of poetry, to re-envision the moment. Merrick expands the small details of the journey into a metaphor for living life. Like Thoreau, he urges us to live a simpler life, a life of appreciation… When ‘the world is too much with [you],’ as Wordsworth said, True North will take you to a place of great beauty and simplicity.”
—Read, Write, Laugh, Rewrite with Eileen Granfors

“This book should be considered a classic in nonfiction, especially among Thoreau and Emerson inspired nonfiction.”
—Wilson Knut’s Witticisms